"The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the statement added.

The principal contractors will be General Dynamics of Virginia, The Boeing Company and Wyle Laboratories, of Alabama.

The agency said the implementation of the proposed sale will require the assignment of 90 US government and contractor representatives for a period of three years to establish and maintain operational capability.

In April, the agency said Kuwait was interested in buying a package of military hardware worth $371m including a Globemaster III aircraft from the United States.